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Make the Holidays Greener: Sustainable Gifts and Wrapping Inspiration

The holidays are a time for giving, but they don’t have to come at the expense of the planet. By choosing thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts and wrapping them sustainably, you can spread joy while staying kind to the Earth.  


Here’s how to make your holiday gifting greener this year!  



Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas 


Compostable or Zero-Waste Starter Kits  

Encourage your loved ones to embrace sustainability with a zero-waste starter kit, which might include items like:  


Experiences Over Things 

Give the gift of memories with experiences:  

  • Cooking or pottery classes  

  • Concert or theater tickets  

  • Memberships to local museums or gardens  


Locally-Made or Upcycled Gifts 

Support local artisans or upcycle items into something new and beautiful:  

  • Handcrafted soaps, candles, or jewelry  

  • Upcycled planters, furniture, or art  


DIY Gifts with a Personal Touch

Show your love by making something special yourself:  

  • Homemade jams, baked goods, or spice blends  

  • Hand-knitted scarves or mittens  

  • A custom photo album or framed prints  


Sustainable Subscriptions/Solutions 

Set your friends or family up with ongoing eco-friendly products or services:   



Sustainable Wrapping Tips  


Use What You Have  

Skip the store-bought wrapping paper and get creative with items already in your home:  

  • Old newspapers or magazines  

  • Brown paper grocery bags (decorate them with stamps or drawings!)  

  • Fabric scraps or bandanas  


Incorporate Natural Decorations  

Add a festive touch with compostable elements:  

  • Sprigs of pine, rosemary, or dried herbs  

  • Cinnamon sticks tied with twine  

  • Dried orange slices  


Reusable Gift Wrap  

Think beyond single-use wrapping:  

  • Furoshiki: Wrap gifts in fabric squares, which can double as a scarf or cloth napkin.  

  • Reusable tote bags: Functional and part of the gift!  

  • Glass jars or tins: Perfect for cookies, candies, or small gifts.  


Avoid Plastic Tape 

Instead of plastic tape, secure your wrapping with compostable alternatives:  

  • Twine or string  

  • Washi tape made from paper  

  • Folded corners held in place with a decorative band  


Encourage Reuse  

Choose wrapping that recipients can use again:  

  • Cloth gift bags  

  • Decorative boxes or tins  

  • High-quality ribbons  



A Greener Holiday, One Gift at a Time  

By opting for thoughtful, sustainable gifts and wrapping, you can make your holiday celebrations more meaningful—for your loved ones and for the planet. Small changes like these add up, creating a ripple effect of mindfulness and care.  


This season, let’s give more than gifts—let’s give back to the Earth. Happy sustainable holidays from all of us at Neighborhood Compost!  



 
 
 
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